Carnival Valor Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Outstanding ship and ports

Sail Date: July 04, 2010

Reviewed:6 years ago

Traveled As: Singles/Friends

Room Type: Oceanview

The Valor is a relatively new ship and is in wonderful condition. The entire ship is kept spotless - more so than many fine hotels where you would stay. The stateroom we stayed (Rivera deck, ocean view) was as larger than most, with plenty of storage. This was my fourth cruise - second on Carnival - and I woul book this ship again in a minute.
The food was incredible with a new selection every evening in the main dining rooms. We ate most of our lunches in the dining room as well and it was wonderful to be pampered. Check out the fish an chips restaruant above Rosies, as it had "gourmet" sushi, calamari fritters, cevechi, etc., in addition to standard fish and chips. The cooks are wonderful. I was on a cruise last year with a line noted for its famous chefs, and the food could not compare to that served aboard the Valor. Plating and presentation of each course was flawless and beautiful. We never tried the pizza or ice cream, although they must be popular. When we went on a tour of the galley (spotless and efficient), we were told they served appproximately 1,000 pizzas each day. Amazing. Since the food at the dining room was so good, we never bothered checking out the steakhouse.
Our wait staff in the Washington Dining Room was excellent as was the staff in the Lincoln Dining Room where we ate lunch.
The layout of the ship was good and once you get oriented, it's easy to find your way around. Our cabin was aft, so it was a simple elevator ride to most places. Travelling without children, we especially enjoyed the adults only pool, lounge and hot tubs on the Lido deck, aft. This area had a movable roof which allowed us to enjoy the pool and lounge chairs even in the rain. The main pool did seem small, as some pool area was given up to tiered decking and water slide. This didn't bother us as we spent our time in the adults only area.
The theater was beautiful and they did a fine job with entertainment with two large production shows during our 7-night cruise. The magician and comedians were great. Music in the other lounges we checked out was average.
The only flaw with the ship design is the Winston Cigar Bar. You have to pass through this smokey and smelly bar to go from fore to aft on deck 4. Avoid it if possible. You can go outside and walk around it, but it's right outside one of the main restaurants and a convenient pass through.
Kudos to the staff at Camp Carnival. We did not have children and appreciated the great job they did entertaining the almost 900 children aboard during our cruise. If you want to be around adults, no worry. If you jave children, be sure to take advantage of this fine service.
Weather on our cruise was quite rainy many days and this had a negative effect on many of the shore excursions. We did very well however. Went to Tabayana Beach on Roatan. Some of the most beautiful, warm, clear water around. Also the bus trip to that side of the island allowed us to see the countryside. In Belize, we took the bus to see Mayan ruins. A long day, but again, since it was rainy, a good choice. Another chance to see the countryside. Excellent guides. Awesome ruins and views. Wonderful Belizian lunch. In Cozumel we took the "Twister Boat" trip to the private beach on Isla Pasion. FAUBLOUS. The boat was a blast, the island awesome. and a gtreat lunch buffet with free drinks. All three excursions were well worth the price.
Did some shopping on Grand Cayman and got very good advice from Alison, the Carnival Valor shopping guru. She gave some excellent suggestions and also an educational lecture on gemstones if you are interested in that kind of thing. I didn't think I was, but found a bargain . . . .
I can't wait to sail on the Valor again and recommend it highy. Bon Vogage!

Pros: Food, staterooms and service was wonderful

Cons: Entertainment in lounges could have been better and pool larger.

I was disappointed with the color of the water here as we came into port. I had heard about beautiful Belize for many years and was looking forward to it. However, we took the Mayan tour and it was well worth it. Enjoyed driving through the countryside, seeing the locals, learning about the politics and lifestyle of Belize. Also, when in this part of the world, everyone should see at least one Mayan temple site.

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